How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Diabetes

With an estimated 86 million Americans diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and a further 29.1 million having being diagnosed with diabetes,1 it is time to take a serious look at the nutrients that can help regulate or reduce the factors that are responsible for diabetes.

Lets have a look at how you can use apple cider vinegar (ACV) for diabetes (type I and type II).

ACV for Type II Diabetes

Diabetes is classified into type I and type II diabetes. In type II diabetes, two of the biggest factors responsible for the condition are blood sugar and insulin levels.

Type II diabetes occurs when you lose the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, either as a result of insulin resistance or because of a lack of insulin.

Nutrients that facilitate the ability to regulate blood sugar levels are therefore highly beneficial for helping individuals reduce or treat type II diabetes. ACV has gained a reputation as one of these nutrients. I have already mentioned the amazing health benefits of ACV and about the 11 ways you can use it to revolutionize your health.

Here are a number of studies that show you how to use ACV for regulating blood sugar and how much you need to consume.

ACV can have Similar Effect to Diabetes Medication

Certain diabetes medications are designed to block the digestion of sugars and starches. By blocking the digestion of these compounds, these medications can effectively prevent blood sugar spikes, and they can therefore help to regulate healthy blood sugar levels.

According to Carol Johnston, Professor and Associate Director of the Nutrition Program of Arizona State University, ACV can also help to block your body’s ability to digest sugar and starch, which means that ACV is similar in its actions as some diabetes medications.2

Research – ACV for Type I diabetes

Meals can pose the biggest problems for individuals who suffer from type I diabetes. When you eat, the sugar and carbohydrates contained in your meals are converted into glucose, which enters the blood stream. For patients with type I diabetes, this sudden increase in blood sugar levels can be dangerous.

In a study published by the American Association of Diabetes, researchers found that ACV helped to decrease the blood sugar levels after meals in type I diabetes patients.3 The conclusion of the study suggests that adding two tablespoons of ACV to a meal can be very effective in helping to regulate blood sugar levels after the meal.

Research – ACV for Type II Diabetes

Insulin resistance plays a very important role in some patients who have been diagnosed with type II diabetes. Finding healthy ways to improve insulin sensitivity is therefore highly beneficial for these individuals.

In a study published in Diabetes Care, 29 patients were given 40 grams of ACV with 40 g of water and 1 teaspoon of saccharine after a meal composed of a white bagel with butter and orange juice. Blood glucose levels and insulin levels were measured to ascertain whether ACV had an effect on insulin sensitivity.

The study found that the consumption of ACV improved insulin sensitivity in the insulin resistant and type II diabetes patients.4

Other Studies on ACV and Diabetes

Consumption ACV after meals

ACV is not only effective in individuals with type I or type II diabetes. In a study published in theEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers studied the effects of the acetic acid from vinegar on the blood glucose response after a meal in healthy people.

In that study, researchers gave the test subjects a meal comprised of a salad with or without vinegar as part of the salad dressing. The results of the study showed that the acetic acid from the vinegar had a significant effect on the glycemic response of the individuals. In other words, the addition of vinegar helped to regulate blood sugar levels after the meal in healthy people too.

ACV and fasting blood sugar levels

ACV may even be beneficial for helping to regulate fasting blood sugar levels which are your blood sugar levels after a period of fasting. These levels are most often determined when you wake up in the morning before you eat anything.

In a study published in Diabetes Care, researchers studied the effects of two tablespoons of ACV at bedtime to determine if ACV had an effect on fasting blood glucose.

The results of the study showed that two tablespoons of ACV at bedtime helped to regulate fasting blood glucose levels in patients with type II diabetes.

How Much ACV Should You Take for Diabetes?

Although the results of ACV vary from one individual to the next, if you consider most of the studies concerning ACV, then a tablespoon or two seems to be sufficient to obtain the benefits associated with ACV and blood glucose regulation.

To help regulate blood sugar after a meal, adding two tablespoons of ACV to your salad dressing or to a glass of water could be sufficient to help regulate blood sugar levels after your meal.

For the purpose of regulating fasting blood sugar levels, two tablespoons of vinegar at bed time could also be beneficial for regulating your blood sugar levels while you sleep.

Adding two tablespoons of ACV to a glass of water before bedtime could therefore help you to manage blood sugar levels.

As a general note, don’t consume undiluted ACV as it erodes tooth enamel and can cause burns to the sensitive tissues in the mouth and throat.

Honey and ACV

Many people like to add honey to their ACV to offset the acidic taste and to enjoy the combined health benefits of ACV and honey.

Although honey offers some health benefits, it is important to understand that honey is mostly sugar and it increases your calorie and carbohydrate intake. For managing diabetes, honey should be calculated as part of your total carbohydrate intake.

Various studies on honey showed that it may not have the same impact on blood sugar levels as sugar does. If you have well-managed diabetes, are not overweight and are otherwise healthy, then honey as a replacement for sugar can be beneficial.7 If you have any doubt, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Using ACV is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Healthwhich will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.